Gonzalo Campos
TRIBUTE at The Houstonian | Houston, TX
September 2025
Born in Puebla, Mexico, Gonzalo Campos’ journey began humbly—washing dishes as a teenager in New York—and quickly accelerated when his innate talent caught the attention of a pasta cook who dared him to prove his skills. By the end of that same shift, Campos had secured his place on the line, which sparked a lifelong dedication to his craft. Over the next two decades, Campos honed his skills in some of New York’s busiest kitchens, including Sal Anthony's S.P.Q.R. and Park Avenue Bistro. He had an 11-year tenure at a French restaurant that partnered with Le Cordon Bleu, where he absorbed classical techniques from visiting instructors and deepened his respect for precision and consistency. That foundation, combined with his Mexican heritage and passion for local ingredients, became the backbone of his culinary identity.
Since relocating to Texas in 2013, Campos has embraced Houston’s multicultural vibrancy and bold flavors. At TRIBUTE, the signature restaurant at The Houstonian, his cooking marries French finesse with Mexican soul and Southern warmth. Dishes like his breadcrumb-stuffed grilled quail glazed in mezcal and wrapped in jalapeño-cheddar bacon—a tribute to both Puebla and Texas—as well as grouper al pastor, layered with pineapple, guajillo, and esquites over blue corn tortillas, blend the coastal flavors of Veracruz with Central Mexican street food traditions.
